K-1 Grand PrixK-1 is a combat sport that combines stand up techniques from Muay Thai, Karate, Savate, San shou, Kickboxing and traditional Boxing to determine the single best stand-up fighter in the world (the "1").

With HERO'S now behind him, Akira Maeda (Pictures) is set to unveil his new project: The Outsider.

Following reports of HERO'S parent company Fight Entertainment Group restructuring its MMA program for 2008, Akira Maeda (Pictures) has seemingly nixed his alliance with the company. This was likely exacerbated by FEG working with former Dream Stage Entertainment executives on Yarennoka, as Maeda's animosity toward DSE has been well documented. He holds the former PRIDE parent company responsible for the death of RINGS after it signed away top talent from Maeda's promotion.

Last September, Maeda held a sit-down dinner in Yokohama for fans during which he fielded questions about a potential Rings return and his future plans in MMA. This week Maeda unveiled The Outsider.

The Outsider will be held March 30 at Differ Ariake in Tokyo. The event, which may be tournament-based, will use HERO'S rules. Maeda is currently accepting applications for interested participants. In order to qualify, competitors must be between the ages of 16 and 35 years old and have three or fewer professional MMA bouts.